* The name is reminiscent of the "-garde" keeps in Azeroth ([[Stromgarde]], [[Tiragarde Keep|Tiragarde]]).

* The name is reminiscent of the "-garde" keeps in Azeroth ([[Stromgarde]], [[Tiragarde Keep|Tiragarde]]).

* Utgarde Keep is a reference to Norse mythology - ''Utg&aring;rd'' (or '''Útgarðr''') is the abode of the giants. This is appropriate, as the Vrykul are a race of half-giants.

* Utgarde Keep is a reference to Norse mythology - ''Utg&aring;rd'' (or '''Útgarðr''') is the abode of the giants. This is appropriate, as the Vrykul are a race of half-giants.

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* There was originally reported to be three wings of this instance, but that may have been an early reference to the 10-man and 25-man versions of [[Utgarde Pinnacle]].<ref>http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=84878&page=2</ref>

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* As of Blizzcon '07, this instance was available for play and had many mobs already in it. Among those were the first boss, who's name was Lord something I cannot remember. His model was the full Malefic Raiment, though this may have been a placeholder. He was very difficult (though our tank was underleveled) and the battle went like this: He would fight like a normal caster boss, though he would frequently use a special spell which would encapsulate a single party member in ice. This ice would completely prevent that player from any actions, but the ice would have an amount of hit points which could be destroyed by party members, freeing the player before the spell's duration ended. In addition, very quick into the fight he would call a team of (four?) skeletons to fight with him, which when killed would immideately be raised back to fight again. We attempted to have our mage kite the skeletons around while the rest of us fought the boss once we realized killing them was useless, but the mage was then the subject of the ice spell and our healer was killed by the skeletons. Unlike my team, however, I have heard there was one an alliance party which managed to make it to Utgarde at blizzcon, and they successfully defeated him and went on to the second and third bosses. All of this is subject to change before Wotlk is released.

Utgarde Keep (pronounced OOT-guard) is the name of a dungeon in World of Warcraft (as well as the first instance of the same dungeon). The keep is located on the shores of Lake Cauldros in the Howling Fjord of Northrend.

Utgarde will be inhabited by the vrykul (led by King Ymiron), a Viking-like race bent on proving their strength to the Lich King, who will raise the most worthy of their warriors to serve him beyond the grave. Therefore, it can be expected that this instance will feature at least some undead.

The first of two wings, known simply as the Utgarde Keep, was available for play at BlizzCon 2007. It is suitable for a 5-man level 70-72 party.

Contents

History

The vrykul are a race of half-giant warriors native to the Howling Fjord located in southeastern Northrend. It is said that in ancient times the vrykul inhabited the land, founding a vast and prosperous civilization. Then one day, without warning or explanation, the vrykul vanished, leaving behind only deserted villages and abandoned temples. Due to the settlement of Valgarde, the vrykul have recently returned.

These formidable warriors have begun attacking Horde and Alliance settlements, and many of the vrykul are pouring out of the fortress of Utgarde Keep, not far from Valgarde. The vrykul's motives and their whereabouts for the past several thousand years remain a mystery.

Inside Utgarde Keep, the Dragonflayer clan builds massive engines of war, and train proto-dragons to act as steeds and attacks for their raids.

Loyal to the slumbering King Ymiron, rumours abound that they serve the Lich King. They are dark and vampiric in nature, and tie into the Titan creation myth that will unfold as events of the expansion take place.

Utgarde Keep is the first of Utgarde Keep's two wings. It is designed as a 5-man instance for players from level 70 to 72. It was the only instance available for play at Blizzcon and the Leipzig Games Convention.